How to Say ‘Don't want’ in Traditional Chinese
不要
bú yào
[boo yow]
💬 Usage Tip: This is said (bú yào), not (bù yào), because 要 has a falling tone.
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: A flat 不要 can sound blunt. When turning down a plastic bag or receipt, add 謝謝 or say 不用,謝謝 "no need, thanks" to soften it.
Phrase Breakdown
不要
bú yào
[boo yow]
do not want
A direct way to refuse or say you do not want something.
這個我不要,謝謝。
I don’t want this one, thank you.
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